How do you know if a bottle of wine is past its best and is too old to drink ?
 

Question submitted by Rachel Wilson

It is difficult to guess. The best thing is to taste the wine !

However, a wine from Margaux or Pauillac will last longer than one from Beaujolais or Bourgueil.

The first tip would be to refer to this chart which tell you how long can I keep wine

The second tip would be to look and smell the wine.

A wine that is too old smell of vinegar or sherry.

Wine turns into a brownish or dull color when past its best.

You may also start to worry:

- if the bottle is not full with wine. The wine has evaporated over the years

- if the cork is badly damaged

- if there are a lot of deposits at the bottom of the bottle

A bottle of wine needs to be protected from humidity, vibration, temperature, light. Each one of these enemies can ruin any wine sooner than later.

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